C

Unique sequence of letters and numbers assigned to each item in the
library to indicate subject content and shelf location. The campus
libraries primarily use the Library of
Congress system.

Catalog

A list of records that represent the holdings
of a library or group of libraries.

CD-ROM

A non-web-based database.
CD-ROM databases are accessible only from designated library computer
workstations.

Circulation Desk

The place to register for a library card,
check out, renew, or return library materials.
Staff can also help you track down missing items and place holds and recalls.

Citation

The information needed to track down a book, article, or other work.
For books, this includes the author, title, place and year of publication.
For articles, it consists of the author, article title, page numbers,
periodical title, volume and date. Citing
is the act of giving credit to an original source.

Computer Lab

There are two labs located in Shields Library and managed by Information
and Educational Technology (IET), in Room 182 and Room 163.

The legal provision of exclusive rights to reproduce and distribute a
book, article, music, or other work.

Course Reserves

Books, articles, lecture notes and other materials faculty require all
students enrolled in a class to use. Some items may be electronically
accessible via the Course Reserves Catalog (http://harvest.lib.ucdavis.edu/F/?func=file&file_name=find-basic&local_base=reserve); print copies may be checked
out for short periods from the Reserves Desk on the 1st floor of Shields
Library.

D

Database

An organized, searchable collection of information, often related to a
specific subject area. One of the primary tools for locating
periodical articles by topic. Most databases
available through the library are licensed
resources with access restrictions.

A list of names or organizations, including contact information. Usually
arranged in alphabetical order.

Dissertation

A work of original research and prerequisite for a doctoral degree.
Dissertations from UC Davis are available on
microfiche and searchable through the
Harvest (http://harvest.lib.ucdavis.edu/) Catalog.
An online copy may also be accessible through a
database called
Dissertations & Theses (http://uclibs.org/PID/11984).

Document Delivery

A fee-based library service that allows UC Davis students and faculty
to request the temporary transfer of material (articles, books) between
campus libraries to facilitate access.

I

Index

A guide to the contents of a single work.

A print or electronic collection of citations
to articles, books and other materials, often searchable by subject or
author.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Facilitates the sharing of materials between libraries. A method current
UC Davis students, faculty and staff may use to obtain access to books,
articles and other materials not available locally. Requests can be submitted
online or in-person.

ISBN (International Standard Book Number)

A unique number assigned to a book before publication to identify the
publisher, title and edition.

N

Northern Regional Library Facility (NRLF)

Off-site storage facility for less frequently used library materials.
Requests may be submitted using the request service
in the Harvest Catalog or in-person at the
Circulation Desk. Items are generally
available within 1-2 working days.

Material that provides a first-hand account of a subject or event. Examples
include diaries, photographs, interviews, and original research studies.
Sometimes referred to as original sources or source material.

Service location where users can ask questions and get in-depth assistance
using library resources and finding information.

Reference Collection

Consists of dictionaries, encyclopedias,
indexes, and other print and electronic sources that
tend to be consulted for specific facts or bits of information rather than
read in their entirety. Print reference materials located in specifically
designated Reference areas must typically be used in the library and cannot
be checked out.

Renew

To extend the due date of an item beyond the original loan period. May
be accomplished online, by phone, or in-person at the
Circulation Desk.

An information expert with a Master's in Library Science, plus an advanced
degree in another academic discipline. Responsible for purchasing and evaluating
library materials in a subject area, and providing specialized assistance at
the Reference Desk. Sometimes also referred to
as a bibliographer.

T

A symbol placed after the root of a word in an online search to retrieve
variant endings. Frequently used symbols include *, $, ?, and !. Example:
librar* will find records that mention library, libraries, librarian, librarians,
etc. Useful for expanding search results.